Don Cheadle of “Brooklyn’s Finest”-- Down with Don
Interview with Kam Williams
Donald Cheadle might be the best actor around yet to win an Oscar. His only Academy Award nomination came in 2005 for his powerful performance as Paul Rusesbagina in Hotel Rwanda. But he's been delivering an abundance of critically-acclaimed work both before and since in such films as Devil in a Blue Dress, Boogie Nights, Rosewood, Ocean's Eleven, Crash, Traffic, Swordfish, Talk to Me, Mission to Mars, Traitor, Rush Hour 2, Bulworth and Reign over Me.
In this spirited tete-a-tete, Don talks about his latest outing as NYPD Detective Tango Butler in Brooklyn's Finest, a gritty cop saga directed by Antoine Fuqua and co-starring Wesley Snipes, Richard Gere, Ellen Barkin and Ethan Hawke.
Kam Williams: Hi, Don, thanks for the time.
Don Cheadle: Thank you.
KW: Children's book author Irene Smalls asks, how did you prepare for this role as an undercover detective?
DC: I spent some time with several police officers who are actually doing the same type of work in Brooklyn.
KW: Citing the maxim "Great actors do not act, they show their true selves to the camera," Irene asks whether there are any parts of your psyche you have not yet explored on camera?
DC: After making 40-something films, if there's anything I haven't revealed yet, it's probably best kept under wraps.
KW: Laz Lyles was wondering whether the energy on the set of Brooklyn's Finest was similar to working with the large ensemble of talented actors in Ocean's Eleven?
DC: No, this was a very different experience.
KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman says she appreciates all your humanitarian efforts as much as she does your acting. And she suspects that your choice of charities has been influenced by the locations where you've shot movies, given all you've done for Darfur and Rwanda. So, she was hoping you might interested in supporting her charity in East New York, Brooklyn which is dedicated to early educational opportunities for young African-American males under the age of 5.
DC: There are only 24 hours in the day, but I'd love to get involved, my schedule permitting.
KW: Nick Antoine wants to know if there's any truth to the rumor that you're planning to do a Miles Davis bio-pic.
DC: Yep, I'm working on it now.
KW: Is it true that you've done standup comedy?
DC: Yes, but not anymore.
KW: Is it true that you play the saxophone?
DC: Yes, but I'm playing the trumpet now?
KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What are you listening to on your iPod?
DC: Miles Davis.
KW: I know who you're favorite trumpeter is. How about saxophonist?
DC: Coltrane.
KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?
DC: Miles Davis' autobiography collaborated on with Quincy Troupe.
KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
DC: The same guy I see every day.
KW: The Zane question: Do you have any regrets?
DC: In life? Of course!
KW: "Realtor to the Stars" Jimmy Bayan's question: Where in L.A. do you live?
DC: I'd rather not say.
KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?
DC: Whatever my kids want to eat.
KW: What are you're favorite foods to eat?
DC: Comfort foods... macaroni and cheese, and meat loaf.
KW: The Mike Pittman question: Who was your best friend as a child?
DC: My siblings and my cousins.
KW: The Uduak Oduak question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?
DC: Boss.
KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
DC: Don't.
KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?
DC: That the world would take the issue of global warming seriously.
KW: Thanks again for the interview, Don, and best of luck with the film.
DC: Thank you.
+ Top Story
Daughter of businessman, music mogul and philanthropist Percy Miller and sister of Romeo Miller, Cymphonique has built a diverse R&B, pop and hip hop fan base online, enjoying over 20 million web views and counting.
"The Help" got the upper hand in the Oscar race on Sunday when the movie won three awards from the Screen Actors Guild, including best cast in a surprise over silent movie romance "The Artist."
African American opera pioneer Camilla Williams has died in Bloomington. She was 92. Indiana University Jacobs School of Music spokesman Alain Barker said Williams died of complications from cancer.
With more than thirty murders in the first month of 2012, it seems we may be in need of a reminder that this is the City of Brotherly Love. But how do you spread love in a city the size of Philadelphia? You could hop on a tour bus and drive around the city performing random acts of kindness all over the city for a whole year.
BBC America has announced that it will co-produce the third installment of Luther, the crime drama that recently won a Golden Globe for star Idris Elba. The four-part miniseries is set to premiere later this year as part of BBC America's Dramaville.
Don't be deceived by 'Hugo's' landing the most Oscar nominations, The Artist still remains the heavy favorite to win for Best Picture. The list of nominees doesn't include much in the way of major surprises...
A public viewing will be held Friday, Jan. 27, 2012 for singer Etta James, and the Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy at a private funeral for the late legend to take place on Saturday. A statement released last Tuesday from Sharpton's rep said the funeral will include performances by celebrities...
Red Tails is an eye-popping, special-f/x driven adventure which recreates these belatedly-appreciated veterans' daring exploits in the skies, while chronicling their simultaneous, uncompromising quest for dignity in the face of the incessant humiliation mandated by Jim Crow.